Ten Days to Live

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Reba McEntire, the queen of country, hits the World Arena on Sunday night.

12

Friday

If you like people but are afraid of their intimidating size and less-than-plush coating, try this one out: Today is the Goodwill Doll Sale at the Southern Colorado Expo Center (1801 N. Union Blvd.). Shop for rare and collectible dolls, including Bratz dolls, Beanie Babies, dolls by Madame Alexander and Pleasant Company along with doll furniture, stuffed animals and tons more. Admission is free, and the sale runs from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Tonight, catch roots-music dudes Railroad Earth at 32 Bleu (32 S. Tejon St.). Railroad Earth has been on a three-year whirlwind of bluegrass insanity, including appearing at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, signing to industry giant Sugar Hill Records and playing countless shows to stoned college kids. They're garnering tons of critical praise, so dust off those Birks and head out for some jams tonight. Tickets are $12 for a 9 p.m. show. For more, hit up www.32bleu.com.

Get in touch with your inner cowgirl tonight at KC Willis' art show titled Angels with Attitude. She's showing Lipstick Ranch mixed-media collage works, fun furniture and cowgirl shrines at Vintage Revival, 14 S. 18th St. If you want more info or just want to say howdy, give them a ring at 635-2077.

13

Saturday

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Catch a ride on Railroad Earth, Friday night at 32 Bleu.

Teach your kids that the circle of life is not only about stirring string-and-djembe arrangements, lion cubs and glorious sunrises that reaffirm the beauty of all creation -- it's also about killing animals and processing their flesh, fat and skin into serviceable goods. That said, take the whole family out to Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site today for their annual "Puttin' Food By" event, where you can observe and participate in pork processing, sausage- and soap-making, cooking demonstrations and more. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. today, and the cost is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, and $1 for youth. Call 578-7666 for more.

An event only slightly less slaughter-y is an appearance and book signing by Diane Mott Davidson at Barnes and Noble at 1565 Briargate Blvd. Called a "divine diva of the culinary cozy" by Publisher's Weekly, Davidson is promoting her newest murder mystery, Double Shot, which is bound to delight both foodies and fans of the whodunit. The signing is taking place at 3 p.m. For more, give a call up to Barnes and Noble at 266-9960.

Those residents of Green Mountain Falls sure do like to take it easy. Take, for example, their month-late fall festival, Novemberfest, which they're finally getting around to having at Pantry Gardens (at 6980 Lake St. behind the Pantry Restaurant). For $8, you can chomp on burgers and brats and enjoy tasty beverages. All proceeds will go to benefit expansion of the Gazebo Lake Playground. For more information, call 684-2349.

You know that one song on the radio that went, "If I go crazy then will you still call me Superman? / If I'm alive and well, will you be there holding my hand? / I'll keep you by my side with my superhuman might / Kryptonite"? Well, some guy from that band discovered another band, and tonight is your chance to see them (the band he discovered, not the band that played that song). The band he discovered is called Love.45, from Denver, and they're playing tonight at 32 Bleu. Their newest disc was produced by the guy who discovered them and another guy who recorded Nickelback at one point, so it's bound to be jam-packed with radio-friendly hooks and soaring vocals and stuff. Tickets are a mere $5 and the show will start at 9 p.m. For more, head to www.love45.com.

14

Sunday

Rock out for a cause this afternoon at Southside Johnny's (528 S. Tejon St.). Tons of bands will be tearing it up for Rock-a-betes, an event benefiting the American Diabetes Association. Featured rock ensembles include Nocturnal Tomatoes, Last Band on Earth, Phat Daddy and the Phat Horn Doctors, the Voodoo Hawks, Distant Warning, Neighborhood Bully and Honey West. Things are getting started at noon, and admission for the wickedness is $10. Contribute $3 more to get in on sweet door prizes, and feel good about rock 'n' roll.

Make your Sunday a "fun day" by getting off your duff and going to see the fabulous Reba McEntire tonight at the World Arena (3185 Venetucci Blvd.). The reigning red-haired countess of country is touring to promote her brand-new album, Room to Breathe, after taking a break from the country circuit to star in Annie Get Your Gun on Broadway and her eponymous television show. Tickets for this one are $55, $75 or $95. Get yours at www.ticketswest.com, by calling 866/464-2626.